The Ultimate Sweet Treat for Celebrations

Looking for the perfect sweet to impress your loved ones? Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a birthday, or just a special surprise, this Heart Shaped Cookie Cake is a showstopper. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, colorful red and white M&Ms, and topped with festive pink-and-white sprinkles, this giant cookie is as pretty as it is delicious. The soft, chewy base paired with smooth, pink vanilla frosting makes for a bakery-quality dessert you can whip up at home.

This recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s straightforward, requires no chilling time, and gives you a canvas for creativity with decorating. The result? A thick, golden cookie cake that’s soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges—decorated like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Cookie Cake

Perfect for Celebrations: A heart-shaped dessert speaks volumes and is ideal for romantic occasions or heartfelt gestures.
Easy to Make: No special baking skills needed—just a few basic steps and you’re good to go.
Customizable: Swap the candy colors to fit any holiday or theme.
Kid-Friendly: Little hands will love helping with mixing, decorating, and of course, eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Base

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1 ½ cups red and white M&M’s
½ cup pink and white heart sprinkles

Vanilla Frosting

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pink gel food coloring
Pink and white heart sprinkles (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

9-inch heart-shaped baking pan
Standing mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls (small and medium)
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Piping bag with decorative tip (optional)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch heart-shaped baking pan with Pam baking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, beating on low until just combined.

4. Fold in the Goodies

Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, and M&Ms. Don’t overmix—just enough to distribute evenly.

5. Press and Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared heart-shaped pan. Sprinkle the top with the pink and white heart sprinkles. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center may look slightly underdone but will set as it cools.

6. Cool Completely

Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.

Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.
Spoon frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or any decorative tip you like.

Decorate the Cookie Cake

Pipe a border of pink buttercream frosting around the edge of the cooled cookie cake. Top the piped frosting with additional heart sprinkles for extra flair. Want to go the extra mile? Add candy letters, mini fondant hearts, or edible glitter!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Seasonal Twists: Change the M&M and sprinkle colors to suit any holiday—green and red for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or rainbow for birthdays.
Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and balance the sweetness.
Frosting Fun: You can flavor the buttercream with strawberry extract or add a touch of almond for a twist.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving again.

Food & Drink Pairings

Pair your heart-shaped cookie cake with:

Drinks: Cold milk, hot cocoa, or a glass of rosé for adults.
Sides: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries complement this dessert beautifully.
Occasions: Serve at bridal showers, date nights, or girls’ night in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cookie cake without a heart-shaped pan?
Absolutely! Use a round 9-inch cake pan or even a square pan. The shape won’t affect the taste—just the aesthetic.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before pressing into the pan.

Do I have to use a piping bag?
Not at all! You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off or even spread the frosting with a butter knife for a rustic look.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

Can I freeze the cookie cake?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cookie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Add frosting after thawing for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Heart Shaped Cookie Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt gesture wrapped in butter, sugar, and love. Whether you’re celebrating someone special or treating yourself, it’s the ultimate indulgence that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.

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Happy Baking! 💕